Find Accessible Transportation

Without the ability to navigate and participate in community, many people with disabilities, older adults, low-income families, and individuals risk isolation – leading to increased mental health issues, including depression. Accessible and inclusive transportation and systems that support community integration can facilitate an individual’s sense of belonging as well as increase necessary access to employment, education, and health care.

Travel for All

Easterseals has partnered with Travel for All, a company founded nearly 13 years ago by Tarita Davenock after she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. An avid traveler prior to her diagnosis, Tarita was already familiar with the challenges that many travelers faced when it came to arrange specific itineraries. Tarita put her travel and years of social work to the test and created Travel for All as a solution to meeting the needs of travelers with disabilities and their caregivers.

3 Steps to Help You or Your Client Find Transportation

Step 1 – Identify Transportation Needs

• Determine where you want to travel, how often, and the general hours or time of day that you need transportation services.
• Find out whether you are able to use regular public transportation service or would want to participate in travel training or mentoring to learn how to use bus or rail transit.
• If you cannot use regular public transit or private transportation options (e.g., taxi, shared-ride, volunteer drivers), identify whether you will need to meet eligibility requirements for ADA complementary paratransit service or age or income requirements for Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation so that you are aware of the process and paperwork involved to apply for those services.

Step 2 – Connect to a Local Mobility Manager

A mobility manager is an employee of a transit or human service agency who offers on-on-one counseling or group education on transportation options and alternatives to driving. A referral to a local mobility manager will put you in touch with a transportation expert who can offer information on transportation services that are available in the area, offer guidance on how to find a ride, and in some cases, arrange or coordinate rides. A mobility manager’s job is to take a person-centered approach to finding the right transportation based on an individual’s needs.

If you are unable to locate a mobility manager, you can reach out to an Information and Referral Specialist, an Aging and Disability Resource Center, or a 2-1-1 program (see Step 3 for phone numbers and websites).

Step 3 – Learn about Transportation Options in Your Community

Creating a comprehensive list of transportation resources and options can be a daunting task, but chances are others in your community may have already done so. Transportation providers in your community are willing, and often eager, to share their expertise and get the word out about transportation services available.

Transportation Options

• Check the American Public Transportation Association directory to find public transit agencies.
• Call the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 or visit the elder care locator to find the Area Agency on Aging or the Aging and Disability Resource Center in your community.
• To find the Center for Independent Living in your community, visit the CIL center and association directory.
• Dial 2-1-1 or reach out to faith-based organizations and other community groups who offer transportation.
• Friends and family may be able to assist by helping find and schedule transportation, becoming an escort or personal care attendant, or helping to pay for services.

Preparing to Talk to a Transportation Provider

Transportation providers will want to know answers to specific questions about you or your client’s travels in order to help them find the best option, and you or your client should be prepared to ask any questions you have to better understand the service. The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center has prepared a sheet of questions and information you, your client, or family and caregivers will want to address when deciding on the type of transportation service to use.